Mark H. Cowardin

ARTIST'S STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
My works are meditations on isolation and separation. I believe man's concern and respect for life lessens as humankind increasingly moves away from nature. Growing development and technology create barriers between humans and the natural world, and also between humans and other humans. These barriers contribute to a disturbing loss of community, and a loss of respect for the natural world. Through personal experience of living in a soulless, sprawling, housing development as well as helping to construct formulaic new housing, I observed first hand the cell-like living situations which are being created.

Connections are an extremely important aspect of my work. Many of my sculptures are human size containers with no apparent openings to indicate a way in or out. Certain architectural elements and details of my work imply something is being confined, sustained, and/or protected. These elements are objects taken straight from the hardware store, and then placed directly onto the formal, sculptural shell, which I have fabricated by hand. Through the use of these store-bought items, my sculptures become functional objects. This twist on the idea of function is one of the most crucial aspects of my art. By placing functional objects in a position where their original purpose is contradictory, I intend to evoke an awareness in the viewers consciousness about the true relationship of the utilitarian object to it's given situation. The literal connections are objects that I not only find aesthetically pleasing, but are also symbolic of both the necessary relationship between humans and the earth and the lack of respect of the natural environment. All of my works are meant to create a conversation about the delicate relationship between man and nature.